What is Bowen Therapy and how can it help you? Jen Suri reviews her Bowen Therapy treatment.
When I was first introduced to Barbara Zair, Seed’s Bowen Therapist back in 2018, I had no idea what Bowen Therapy was or how it could help.
When it comes to pain or injury, it’s probably not the first therapy that comes to mind… you may be more inclined to think of osteopathy, physio or even massage. BUT when it comes to pain relief, I discovered first-hand how Bowen deserves a place among these popular treatments.
I suffered a bad knee injury in May after tripping whilst walking my dog. I was in agony for a few days but then the pain just seemed to stop. I rested my knee for a week but my impatience got the better of me and I started running again. Probably not my smartest move as I knew it would probably take more time to heal.
I was proved right a month later when I woke up with terrible lower back pain. Every step was agony, as sharp stabbing pains shot across my back when I tried to walk. I messaged Barbara on the off-chance that she could see me that morning and thankfully she’d had a cancellation.
After explaining my injury, the first thing Barbara did was ask me to lay on my stomach on her treatment table so that she could check my spine and see if I was out of alignment. I was shocked to find my left leg was 2cms longer than my right leg!
Barbara explained how my body had been compensating for my injury for the last 2 months so unsurprisingly I was a bit of a mess…tendons, muscles, ligaments squeezed or stretched or just generally out of sync – my body needed help!
So how does it work?
The Bowen Technique is a gentle form of bodywork where the practitioner uses thumbs and fingers to perform gentle rolling movements over the muscles, tendons and soft tissue of the body, stimulating the nerve pathways creating a focus for the brain. Lasting for around an hour, this treatment takes place over your clothes. Nothing is too painful or pressured and there is no manipulation.
Each sequence of moves is followed by a short break, intended to allow the body to respond to the gentle moves and make subtle adjustments which can help to rebalance, relieve tension and reduce pain. Our bodies are amazing machines that, given the right conditions, can self-heal. Bowen therapy is about exactly this – allowing the body to repair itself. And this process of repair can carry on for some time after the session has finished.
By the end of my treatment, the 2cm gap had reduced to 0.5cm and I already felt taller, straighter and in less pain. I also found the treatment incredibly relaxing and I understand why Barbara says a lot of her clients come to her for help with insomnia, depression or anxiety. I felt like I could have floated out of there.
Just a few hours after my treatment and the pain had completely vanished. I honestly couldn’t believe it! Barbara assures me that I was very lucky and that most people need between 1-3 sessions to achieve the results that I did.
I would definitely recommend Bowen Therapy if you’re in pain. Whilst I don’t believe in miracles, for me, Bowen Therapy literally worked like magic. Barbara sees clients for a host of pain related issues, but particularly frozen shoulders, elbows, back and neck pain. Bowen can also help support your mental health and some of Barbara’s clients have also reported significant improvements with asthma, migraine, irritable bowel and even some reproductive problems.
My Verdict:
Bowen Therapy is an incredibly relaxing treatment with so many health benefits – I would strongly recommend it. Barbara Zair is a highly experienced professional and also the warmest, friendliest person who puts you at ease as soon as you walk into her treatment room.
In future, Bowen with Barbara will become part of how I proactively look after myself and not just a reaction to pain.
You can find out more about Bowen Therapy and how it could help you by contacting Barbara Zair on 07917 272959 or barbara@seedwellness.co.uk
Barbara offers Bowen Therapy from her private treatment room in Beaconsfield Old Town.
